Invisible Ink

Chapter Four

Bored. That’s what Cid was. He flicked his gaze to the window that was letting in the semi-bright sunlight. He didn’t feel like doing anything outside, so that was out of the question. But he was still bored. He supposed he had that story he could finish reading, but he figured if he started, that would just knock him out into a fairly deep sleep, something that really didn’t fix his boredom.

Groaning at the sheer lack of anything to do at the moment, Cid pulled his cigarette pack out of his jacket pocket and proceeded to flip the lid of his lighter open and shut, open and shut, the snapping sound at least providing a little entertainment without a lot of effort. Still, he felt absolutely pathetic for being so bored. There had to be something to do around the apartment.

Zack wasn’t around, either, so Cid was forced to sit and be bored. Zack and Reno had gone into town to get some takeout, and, for some reason, were taking ridiculously long to get back. It really wasn’t that far away, but then again, this was Reno and Zack. They had probably found some little corner in which to hide away and do whatever it was they did together.

Cid automatically grimaced as he came close to thinking about what they did together. That just wasn’t natural, was it? Not to mention that Zack seemed to be on some sort of quest to make the blond like him. He shook his head. Zack had been hinting at more than a couple things yesterday when they’d popped by Vincent’s place for their little ghost-hunt. But not even Zack was fool enough to try and get Cid to like men, was he? Grimacing again, Cid figured he probably was. He’d have to start keeping a watch out for any more hints so he could stop them before they grew to more than hints.

Luckily, before Cid’s thought process could delve even further into unwanted patterns, the door to the apartment swung open with a squeak, followed by footsteps, crinkling plastic bags, and sounds of laughter that could come from no one but Zack.

Cid was never so happy to hear another living person in his life. Jumping up to sit on his bed, he listened carefully to see exactly what Zack was up to out there.

“That line was so long,” Zack said to Reno as he set the bags with their food on the counter. “And that old lady totally tried to hit me with her cane. I’ve never seen people go so nuts over Chinese food.”

Chinese food… Cid instantly perked up some. Sliding off of his bed, he opened his door and acted as if he was just walking through the kitchen to get somewhere, not to see what the others were doing. It didn’t even matter at the moment that he didn’t particularly like spending a lot of time with Zack and his—he felt his brow twitch slightly—boyfriend.

Zack looked up at him and smiled. “Hey, buddy. Got us some takeout. I didn’t know what you liked so I just grabbed a whole bunch of different stuff. That cool?”

Cid looked at him almost questioningly when he heard the word “buddy,” but the allure of the scent quickly invading the kitchen was just a little too strong and he swallowed down any comments about how there weren’t even close to buddies. “Uh, sure. ‘M not usually picky…”

Reno set his bag down as well, pulling assorted containers out. “Then you’ve gotta pretty good selection here. Least… of what Zack didn’t manage to pick in on the way back.” He smirked at the youngest, his green eyes laughing.

Zack stuck his tongue out at him. “I only ate what I got for me.” He set five or six takeout boxes on the counter in a line. “Take your pick. Kinda buffet style, I guess.”

“Yeah, yeah, I saw you sneak a bite of the stir fry, babe. Don’t think I was hallucinating either.” Reno smirked again, bumping Zack gently with his elbow.

Cid ignored them the best he could, but he had to admit that it was pretty damned hard when they were right in front of him. Turning his attention to the boxes Zack had lined up, he frowned a little. “What’s in ‘em?”

Zack shrugged. “They’re not marked. Open them and find out.” He took his own box and a pair of generic wooden chopsticks and took them to the couch.

Catching sight of the chopsticks on the counter, Cid gingerly picked up a pair and popped open a box. It looked good, whatever it was, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to spend too much time deciding on what one to eat. Poking around the slightly colored rice a bit, he came up with a piece of what he figured to be chicken, something that made him decently happy.

“It’s not like it’s gonna bite you, yo,” Reno said with a little chuckle, picking up his own food and chopsticks before placing himself right next to Zack. “Guy’s a little weird, ya know?” he whispered with a laugh to the other.

Zack grinned. “I like him anyway.”

Reno laughed again, shrugging. “Whatever floats your boat, I guess. And here I thought you liked me.” Smirking, he started on his food.

“Of course I like you,” Zack said as he dug through his food with his chopsticks, smirking. “I don’t like anyone like I like you.”

“You know, I could take that a couple ways.” Reno smirked, dipping his chopsticks into Zack’s box. “You gotta be more specific.”

“You know what I mean.” Zack grinned at him again, holding the box out so he could get some of its contents. He turned his head to look at Cid over his shoulder. “Hey, we were thinking of hitting the club tonight. You should come.”

“Promise I won’t let Zack do something stupid,” the redhead called over his shoulder as he dug out a chunk of chicken and plopped it in Zack’s container. “Here, so ya don’t have to fight with the rice.”

Cid looked sideways at them. “The club?” he asked muffled through a mouthful of food. “Didn’t know there was one ‘round here. They got good booze?”

Zack ate the piece of chicken immediately. “Yeah, there are a bunch of places around. They all have booze.” He chuckled a little. “I knew you were gonna ask that.”

Reno laughed as well. “Why do you think I get him to go so much? I like trying to get him drunk off his ass. He dances funny when he’s plastered.” Ruffling Zack’s hair, he slipped an arm around him.

“I might,” Cid replied quietly. “Would be nice to get out an’ see the scenery.” He paused. “You’re not gonna make me do somethin’ weird, are ya? ‘Cause ya can fuckin’ forget it if ya are.”

Zack sighed, ducking away from Reno’s hands. “Am I that untrustworthy? We’re just gonna go chill. Dance, drink, whatever.”

“Fine. Just so long as ya don’t pull any dumbass stunts.” Cid wandered into the living room and set himself down on the floor, still picking rather happily at his meal. “Uh, thanks, by the way,” he mumbled, raising his container a bit.

“No problem. Call it a peace offering.” The dark-haired man grinned cheerily.

“A peace offerin’? What’re we makin’ peace over?” The blond stretched his legs out, leaning back on his elbows as he kept eating.

Reno raised a brow and whispered something to Zack. Cid didn’t want to know what.

Zack held in his giggle. “Over being friends. I’m not out to get you, despite what you think.”

“Never said ya were, did I?” Cid cast a glance up at his roommate. “Ya just… are persistent an’… like weird stuff.” He shrugged and turned his attention back to his food. Better to have Zack and Reno think he was getting used to them than know it still made him uneasy.

Zack chuckled, going back to his food. “Weird stuff.” He took a big mouthful, chewing it halfway before speaking with his cheeks full. “So is that a yes? Club tonight?”

“I guess. Just don’t make me regret it.” Blue eyes aimed back up. “Ya got a little… right there…” He waved the end of a chopstick near his cheek.

“Got it,” Reno chirped with a grin, leaning in to lick the grains of rice off of Zack’s cheek. “All gone.”

Zack laughed quietly. “Thanks.” He leaned to give Reno a quick kiss. “So we’ll leave around 9. Is that cool?”

Cid grimaced at the scene, hiding it behind his food. “I guess. If that’s when you wanna go.”

Zack shoved more food in his mouth. “That’s the best time to go.”

“Wouldn’t know. I don’t really go to clubs,” Cid said through his own mouthful of food.

Reno looked back and forth between them. “You two could be long-lost twins or something looking at the way you guys eat, ya know?”

Zack swallowed his mouthful. “Nuh uh.”

Cid opened his mouth, about to say the same, when he stopped. “I’m nothin’ like him,” he retorted sharply, stuffing another pile of food into his mouth.

Zack laughed anyway. “Anyway, nine tonight. Be ready.”

“Sure thing,” Cid said, standing up and retreating to the kitchen where he dumped his trash and dishes. “I’m gonna go grab a shower. I’ll see ya’ll later.”

Zack grinned. “Fine with us, buddy.”

He leaned around and stuck his head back into the living room. “An’ no peekin’, smartass. The doors have locks for a reason.”

Zack held up his hands, signifying his innocence. “Wasn’t even thinking about it. Well, okay, maybe the thought crossed my mind, but I swear I wasn’t gonna do it.”

“Fine. Just… keep yourself busy out here. See ya later.” He disappeared again, quickly burying himself in his task of cleaning himself up.

Reno smirked and glanced over at Zack. “Dunno. Think we can do that? Find something to occupy ourselves with in the meantime?”

Zack crawled into Reno’s lap, folding his fingers together behind Reno’s neck. “I think we can think of something.”

“Good deal,” Reno said with a grin, resting his hands on Zack’s hips.

“An’ no fuckin’ in the livin’ room!” Cid yelled from somewhere unseen, a door slamming to signify he had actually gone into the bathroom.

Zack laughed. “Fine, we’ll go in my room!” With that he stood up, taking Reno’s hand and leading him into his bedroom.

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Zack knocked on Cid’s door for the third time. “Cid! You ready yet? Damn, man, you’re taking longer to get ready than my sister did for her prom.”

“Shuddup! Am not!” Cid opened the door to stare at Zack. “Been ready for a good half hour, ya know,” he grumbled as he pushed back the darker-haired man. “Just couldn’t hear ya.” He flopped himself down on the couch, raking a hand through his hair. “So you guys ready to go?”

“I’ve been ready for a while. I was like pounding on your door. Were you sleeping or something?”

“Was listenin’ to music. Had it up pretty high.” The blond glanced up at Zack. “So… we goin’?”

Reno stepped into the room, a hair tie stuck in his mouth. “Hey, babe? Wanna help me get this mess back? I keep missing half of it for some reason,” he said, indicating the fall of cherry-red hair hanging loose down his back.

“We’re goin’.” Zack turned to Reno to help him with his hair.

“Thanks, babe.” Reno turned and planted a kiss on Zack’s throat, smirking against it.

“Yeah, whatever. Let’s just go,” Cid said, grabbing his jacket and stepping out of the door. He knew he needed Zack to tell him where to go, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt him to leave for a moment. Sometimes hanging around got him too much of an eyeful.

“No problem.” Zack smiled and pulled Reno after Cid. “Let’s go!”

Cid stepped back as they came through the door, waiting for them to pass. “So where we goin’ exactly?”

“Uptown,” Zack said, starting to walk. Best club is the one called Moves.”

“Moves?” Cid raised a brow. “Sounds… special.” He shrugged and stuffed his hands into his pockets, following. “Whatever.”

Reno glanced back. “It’s better than it sounds. Zack’s favorite place around here, actually. He usually has to go at least once a week,” he added with a laugh.

Zack grinned. “Yup. And I think it’s a good name. That’s what you do there: move.”

“Uh huh…” Cid had his doubts though. As far as he was concerned, there would be no moving on his part with the exception of to the bar.

“And you have to dance,” Zack said as they turned a corner. “At least a couple songs.”

“What?” Cid halted, giving him a sharp look. “Fuck off. I don’t dance.”

Zack grinned. “Oh no. You can’t just get trashed. You gotta dance at least once.”

“Seriously, fuck you. I don’t fuckin’ dance.” He matched Zack’s pace, coming up beside him. “You can dance for me, kay?”

“Don’t tell him that,” Reno said. “He’ll take you seriously and then we’ll never get to leave. Not that I mind, but yeah.” He grinned, linking arms with Zack as they walked.

Zack poked Cid with his free arm. “I’ll find some way to get you to dance. I will.”

“Sure ya will.” Cid rolled his eyes. He wouldn’t be dancing and as far as he knew, that was how it would stay.

They walked for a few blocks, passing people on the sidewalk in groups of drunken gaggles. Finally, Zack stopped in front of a building with booming music pulsing through the walls and out into the street. He grinned. “Here we are.”

“This one?” Cid asked skeptically. It definitely didn’t look like the kinda place he belonged in. “Ya sure?”

Zack smiled and started walking in, already starting to bounce to the music a little. “Yup! Everyone’s good here.”

Reno shook his head with a smile. “Listen, babe. Gonna go pay. You wanna stick?” he asked, waving his wallet.

Zack suddenly grinned widely. “Yeah! Get me and you red ones, and a green one for Cid.” He turned to Cid. “It’ll match his shirt.”

“Match my shirt?” Cid rolled his eyes more. “Can ya be any more fuckin’ gay right now?” Pushing through the crowded room to pay his way in along with search out the bar.

Reno raised a brow. “A green one? You’re really trying to sell the boy out aren’t you?” he said with a laugh. “Thought you were gonna set him up with someone particular, not give him away at a club.”

“Well, maybe we’ll get lucky,” Zack said with a knowing smile.

The redhead smirked. “I’m guessing you know this guy you wanna set him up with is gonna be here or something?”

Zack grinned wider. “I might have heard from a little fairy that he was gonna be here tonight.”

“I see.” Reno shook his head, grinning. “Guess I better get on with getting those glow sticks then, huh?” He grinned again and tipped Zack a wave before melting into the crowd.

Zack grinned too and moved into the crowd as well, picking up the beat quickly and starting to dance. Soon enough, Reno returned and handed Zack a couple glow sticks, one red and one green. “I’ll let you deliver the goods, babe. He seems to like you better.” Slipping an arm around Zack’s neck, he kissed the other quickly, pointing him in a direction around the room. “Think I saw him somewhere over there.”

Zack nodded. “Got it. I’ll go give it to him.” With that, he danced off into the crowd and towards the bar.

Cid had managed to situate himself near the end of the bar, the strongest drink he could order in his hand as he watched a couple girls dancing very close together. Thoroughly entertained, he hadn’t the slightest notion of Zack approaching him.

Zack bounded up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder, thrusting the glowing stick into the space between them. “Got you a present!”

“Shit!” Cid jumped and nearly fell off his seat as he whirled around, staring at both Zack and the glow stick. “What the hell’s that?”

Zack grinned, unfazed. “Your glow stick! You can’t club without glow sticks.”

“Why not? Half of these people don’t have ‘em. Whaddo I need one for?” His attention wavered back to the girls, but he could only find one. That was enough, though and he let a lazy smile slip onto his face as he watched her dance. “Ain’tcha ‘sposed to be over in a corner makin’ out with Red or somethin’?”

Zack took Cid’s wrist and tied the glow stick on. “Yup, but not until you’re wearing this.” He finished putting it on and waved before disappearing into the crowd.

Cid glared at the thing now attached to his wrist. He could take it off, but no doubt Zack would pop up right at that moment and gripe about it. May as well leave it. He sighed and downed about half of his drink in one gulp.

A familiar face appeared at the edge of the crowd, catching site of Cid and smiling a little. A little yellow band of glowing neon was tied around his wrist.

Slowly nursing the rest of his drink, Cid lazily watched the rest of mixing group of dancers in front of him, not noticing the newcomer. The girl he had been watching had apparently followed her friend’s example as she had disappeared as well, making his view far less interesting.

Vincent gracefully slid into the chair next to Cid, turning and giving him a smile. His plain black outfit accented the pale porcelain of his skin, as well as the easy curves of his body. “Cid,” he said, managing to somehow still keep his voice smooth and soft even as he talked over the music.

Cid jumped again, his drink slipping in his grip. Luckily he caught it before it fell, his eyes shooting up to Vincent. “Y-You! What’re ya doin’ here?” he asked quickly, still startled as to his professor’s presence.

Vincent smiled minutely. “Am I not allowed to socialize? This is my age group, after all.”

Cid looked around, somehow confused. That was right. Vincent was actually younger than him. When he thought about it, he was probably older than most of the people there. “I guess ya can do whatever ya wanna. Just didn’t… ya know, expect ya in some place like this. Doesn’t seem to fit ya or somethin’.”

Vincent gestured to the bartender, asking for a cup of water. “It makes me feel… alive, I suppose. Coming here gives me a chance to unwind. Plus, I like to dance.”

Cid scoffed. “You? Like to dance? You’re kiddin’, right? I can see ya sittin’ in some room readin’ your books with some weird music playin’, but not in some mess like this dancin’.”

Vincent smiled again, the same small displacement of his lips as before. “You would think that, wouldn’t you? Perhaps there is more to me than you assumed.” He finished the last of his water and set the cup on the bar. Gracefully getting to his feet, he gestured to the dance floor. “Care to join me? You look like you could use some movement, yourself.”

Cid frowned. “I, uh, I don’t dance.” He raised his arms in apology, shrugging. “Sorry.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow, the small smile still there. “I bet you do. Come on, or I’ll take 2 points off your participation grade.”

“What? That’s just… what?” Cid gaped at him. “You’re kiddin’, right?”

Vincent shook his head, having no intention of actually going through with his threat, but not about to admit it. “Of course I’m not kidding. I’m not asking you to dance with me, I’m just asking you to dance. You might find it invigorating.”

“Invigoratin’ my ass,” Cid grumbled. But he still slid off of his seat and thumped his glass down on the bar, shooting Vincent an odd look. “If I’m not feelin’ fully invigorated by this, I’m droppin’ the class,” he threatened back with a crooked smirk.

Vincent smiled more. “It’s too late to do that without penalty.” He backed into the crowd, picking up the beat and starting to sway with it.

“Then I’ll take a fuckin’ penalty. Big deal.” He followed Vincent somewhat hesitantly, unsure of what to do even though it seemed absolutely obvious. “I’m tellin’ ya, I can’t dance.”

“Just try it,” Vincent encouraged.

Zack suddenly appeared next to Vincent, grinning. “Hey! Didn’t know you’d be here…” He glanced at Cid, grinning more. “Well at least someone got him to come out here.”

Cid’s nose crinkled. “But…” He turned toward the sudden arrival, narrowing his eyes. “Fuck off, Zack. So someone got me out here. Only through threatenin’, though, just so ya know.”

Zack laughed. “Oh, yeah? Well, at least he got you out here.” The lively young man turned to Vincent leaning towards him so as to be heard. “You wanna dance?”

Vincent glanced at Cid, smirking to himself and turning back to Zack. “Sure.”

The blond wasn’t sure what to make of that. At least having them both go dance was one way to get them off his back. He reclaimed his seat, just barely picking out the two in the mass.

Zack noticed Cid’s departure, and led Vincent to the edge of the crowd where they were sure to be seen. When they arrived there, he turned towards his new dancing partner and approached him, following the music. Vincent responded heartily, moving with Zack in a provocative and flowing sequence. Zack placed his arm around Vincent’s waist, pulling him closer and letting their bodies connect. Just as Vincent closed his eyes in enjoyment, Zack turned his head to Cid, letting it loll back a little, and gave him a sideways grin that said something along the lines of, “Now, see what you’re missing?”

Cid wasn’t sure what to make of the display he was seeing. On one hand he was incredibly mortified that Zack would be pulling something like that here, with his professor no less, without a care in the world. On the other hand… He licked his lips a little. Vincent was making the whole thing rather… interesting. He shook his head hard. That wasn’t right. He was supposed to be watching the girls, not his English professor who could somehow dance incredibly well and… attractively.

Vincent lost himself in the music, uncaring about anything happening around him other than the beat and the melody. His body swayed and gyrated, rolling like a wave of the ocean against Zack, who kept the movement going with his own counter movements.

Cid nearly felt ashamed with the way he was watching those hips, that body. There was something so addictive about the way Vincent moved. Cid licked his lips again, wondering if he had either had too much to drink or if Zack had somehow drugged him. Surely he wouldn’t be thinking that way completely sober, would he? Cid let his focus remain on Vincent, unable to draw it away no matter how hard he tried. There was just… something about him.

Zack noticed the way Cid was staring, and it only fueled his smugness about his theory being right. He continued to dance with Vincent, knowing that each movement from the exotic-looking professor was catching Cid’s eye more and more.

Cid swallowed hard. Was it just him or was it getting a little hard to breathe? No, everyone else seemed fine around him. Maybe it was just him. But it couldn’t be normal, that he knew for sure. And for some reason, he felt the strange sensation in him that he wanted to be the one out there, not Zack.

Zack looked at Cid and grinned, gesturing with his head for the blond to come out to the dance floor. Pointing to himself, Cid panicked. Zack wanted him out there with Vincent, even closer to those mesmerizing hips? He had to be crazy. Shaking his head hard, he stayed put.

Zack just nodded slowly, turning Vincent around so he was pressed against the professor’s back. Vincent just kept moving with the music.

Finally, Cid just couldn’t take it. He jumped down off of his seat and shoved his way through the people in his way, reaching the dancing pair. Abruptly he pushed them apart, glaring hard at Zack. “Would ya two stop doin’ that shit? You’re actin’ like fuckin’ strippers or somethin’!” He looked from one to the other before just letting out a loud breath and storming his way back toward the front door. He knew it had been a bad idea to come. He just didn’t think he would end up feeling almost jealous over another man like that.

Startled, Vincent blinked after Cid, then turned to look at Zack. Zack shrugged in response. Frowning slightly, Vincent turned to follow Cid out, finding him walking up the sidewalk. “Cid, stop.”

“What?” Cid snapped as he turned, instantly regretting it. He had expected Zack to come after him if anyone did, not Vincent.

Vincent looked at him, not sure what he should think. “…It was just dancing.”

“Sure didn’t look like it,” the blond muttered, turning and beginning to walk again. He knew he didn’t have a right to be angry, but for some reason he just was. “Why’d ya come after me?” he said quickly. “Figured ya would’ve just stayed back there dancin’ your little heart out.”

“You looked upset. I don’t understand why.” Vincent stepped forward, following him.

“Just thought it was pretty damn improper for some professor to be rubbin’ himself all over some guy he doesn’t know.” In all honesty, Cid didn’t know why he was upset. He had felt jealous, but there was no reason for him to do so. It wasn’t as if he was dating either of them or wanted to. If it was some girl, he could understand. But this was Vincent and Zack. Why would he care?

Vincent frowned. “I’ve known Zack for about eight years now.”

Cid bit his tongue, literally, stopping. So he wasn’t just dancing on someone he didn’t know. Unfortunately, that sensation in his stomach didn’t decrease and he just shook his head and turned to leave again. “Whatever. Go do what ya want. Didn’t have to stop your fun ‘cause of me.”

“Why are you upset? I still don’t understand.”

“I… fuck! I don’t know!”

Vincent frowned more, still confused. “I’m sorry, if it’s my fault. I never intended to upset you. Just know that this isn’t a classroom. I’m a student here, just like you. I just happen to teach a few classes because I’m a graduate student.”

Cid shook his head. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t just outright say he had felt jealous because he didn’t even want to be feeling that way. It wasn’t even right that he had been. “I don’t even know what’s goin’ on. Don’t ask me.”

“Well… that doesn’t help me much. You’re my only source of information.”

“Then I guess we’re both just fucked.” Huffing, Cid turned to face him. “Ya don’t have to follow me if ya don’t want to. I know ya wanna go back there an’ ‘dance,’” he said, emphasizing the word with curled forefingers. “Didn’t know that’s what ya were tryin’ to get me to do.”

“I wasn’t… Cid, I told you, I wasn’t trying to get you to dance with me. I just wanted to see you having some fun.” The professor tilted his head a little, black hair falling over his face in a few places. “You just seem like you’re always so… tense, I guess.”

“Do ya blame me? Ya see who I fuckin’ live with! Ya say you’ve known him for eight years? Then ya know exactly what I’m talkin’ about! An’ of course I can’t do anythin’ not to be tense, so I’m just fucked!” He glared at the sidewalk. “My idea of havin’ fun isn’t anythin’ like what he’s always tryin’ to drag me into.”

Vincent stepped a little closer, hoping they didn’t need to speak so loudly if he did. “You don’t like that he’s gay.”

“Don’t love it, that’s for sure. Don’t help he’s always doin’ stupid shit around me just ‘cause of it too.” Cid crossed his arms over his chest. “How’m I ‘sposed to do anythin’ there, huh?”

The professor studied Cid’s face, trying to understand what he meant. “Zack doesn’t do the things he does to provoke you. He does them because that’s the way he is. Those are the things he does because he feels right doing them. He hasn’t changed since you moved in. You just haven’t gotten used to him yet.”

“So what’m I ‘sposed to do? Start makin’ out with him or some shit?” He laughed dryly. “‘Cause that ain’t gonna start happenin’, that’s for sure.”

Vincent’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why is that the first thing you think of? He’s gay, not diseased. He’s not trying to spread his gayness to you or anything like that.”

“I-I never said he was, did I? I just don’t know how the fuck I’m ‘sposed to get used to him bein’ him, ‘specially when he does shit like drag me to clubs an’ make me watch people grindin’ all over each other an’ confuse the fuck outta me ‘cause I like it an’ tell me crazy shit like ‘oh, you’ll have fun!’“ Letting out a sharp breath, he sat heavily on the rock wall bordering the sidewalk.

Vincent blinked, trying to piece together the fast speech. “…Come again?”

“Ya fuckin’ heard me, I’m not sayin’ it again!”

Vincent stared at him. “You liked it?”

Cid flushed. “I—I didn’t mean to say that,” he stammered, clapping a hand over his mouth. “I just… I mean…”

“What did you mean?” Vincent asked, keeping his voice calm and non-threatening. He just wanted to understand.

“I meant… I mean…” The blond bit his lip, finally just closing his eyes. “Fuck!” he yelled out, raking a hand roughly through his hair. “Ya wanna know what I meant? I meant that I saw you goin’ at it out there an’… an’… Goddammit!” Smacking a hand against the rocks, Cid pushed himself away and started down the sidewalk again. He didn’t know what to think of anything, let alone what to tell someone else.

Vincent was taken aback, not expecting such a heated reaction from the blond. He debated whether to follow him or not. He felt out of place, but also directly involved, and he wasn’t sure how many cans of worms he wanted to open just then. After a few moments, he decided he should go after Cid, at least to clear up whatever misunderstanding there had been, on either of their parts.

“Cid!” he called, jogging a little to catch up.

Cid almost cringed at the sound of his name, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t trust himself to stop, fearing what he might say or do if he looked Vincent in the eyes.

Vincent wouldn’t give up, though. He pressed on until he could get in front of the blond. “Cid, please don’t walk away, here. I’d like to know what’s going on, and you’re the only one who can explain it.” He folded his arms, blocking the way with his body and locking burgundy eyes on the other man.

Halting abruptly, Cid lowered his head and looked up darkly. “Just lemme through, Vincent. I don’t know whatcha wanna hear me say.”

Vincent was unnerved by the look and the fact that Cid had used his first name, but he stood his ground nonetheless. “I just want to know what happened. I feel like I’ve upset you.”

“Ya didn’t upset me, okay? Was somethin’ with me. There, happy?” He glanced around, looking for some sort of escape. Unfortunately the only path presenting itself was the one he had just come by and a dark alley to their side. He half-wondered where it went and whether he could use it to get away, his gaze staying on the shadowed entrance.

Vincent followed his gaze briefly before looking at him again. “… All right. I won’t make you talk about it.”

Cid was stunned by that. He had figured the professor would have asked and asked until he finally snapped, admitting that he had felt jealous over someone he didn’t even want. “Ya won’t?”

Vincent shrugged. “It’s obviously not my business, and you obviously don’t want to talk about it. I shouldn’t be meddling in my students’ lives anyway. I’ll leave you alone.”

Cid’s expression softened almost immediately. He had wanted the other to leave him alone and stop asking questions, but now that he actually was doing so, he felt oddly abandoned. For some twisted reason, he had liked Vincent’s attention on him and now that it was mostly gone, he wanted it back.

When Cid didn’t respond, Vincent assumed it meant Cid was ready for him to leave. “No hard feelings,” he said with a small smile, before stepping to the side and starting to head back to the club.

He wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Cid seemed to have been harboring some pent up feelings, but Vincent was convinced he shouldn’t get involved. It was unprofessional, even for a grad student. He was just so used to brushing these things aside that he didn’t even consider the notion that anything would happen between them.

Actually seeing Vincent walk away made Cid’s want for the professor’s attention flare up more and he glanced around uncertainly before hurrying forward and grabbing his arm, spinning him around. “Hang on one fuckin’ second,” he growled under his breath, dragging Vincent back to the alley and pushing him into the darkness.

The professor’s eyes widened, a brief wave of fear flashing through him. “Cid?” he asked as his side hit a wall. This certainly wasn’t something he should be doing with a student.

“Ya wanna know what’s fuckin’ wrong with me? Then ya can tell me.” The blond stepped closer, pointing at his own chest. “If I’m straight, then why the fuck did I wanna be in Zack’s place out there? Explain that, Mr. Teacher.” He was stunned that he had just blurted everything out, but it was too late now. Better to hear what the other had to say than try to retract it.

Vincent just blinked in confusion. “You wanted to be Zack? … You wanted to dance?”

“I… no… I…” Cid’s brows creased and he slammed a fist against the brick wall near to Vincent. “I wanted ya dancin’ on me like that, all right? Ya just… the way ya moved…” He glanced away, glad the shadows were hiding his flushed cheeks.

Vincent wasn’t sure what to do. He realized what Cid was saying, but he just didn’t know how to respond. “Oh,” he said quietly, unable to think of anything else.

“‘Oh? Oh?’ That’s all ya got to say?” Cid stared at him the best he could in the reduced visibility. “Your straight student tells ya he thought ya were the fuckin’ hottest thing in that club an’ all ya can say is ‘oh?’” He shook his head. “The fuck’s wrong with ya?”

“Well, what do you want me to say, Cid? You already said it. You’re my student. I may be younger than you, but there’s a code here that I can’t breach.” Vincent looked at him with all the authority he could muster, which wasn’t much. “I’m… flattered that you find me attractive. You’re very attractive too. But we’re professor and student. It’s not proper.”

Cid swallowed hard. “Who said I fuckin’ wanted to breach the code? I just wanna know what the fuck’s wrong with me an’ what I can do to fix it!”

The professor frowned. “There’s nothing wrong with you, Cid.”

“The fuck there’s not!” Swinging his arms out wide, Cid let them fall back against his side. “I like girls! Chicks! Women! I don’t like guys! I don’t wanna either!” He stepped forward again, quickly wrapping his hand in the cloth of Vincent’s shirt and pulling him close. “But you… you just don’t fit in with any of that shit. You went an’ fucked up my head. So tell me what I’m ‘sposed to do.”

Vincent grabbed Cid’s wrist, trying to pull the strong hand away. “You can start by letting go of me, for one thing.”

“An’ where’s that gonna get me? You runnin’ off an’ tellin’ Zack what a little fag I am so he can laugh in my face? Don’t think so.” Cid did push Vincent away a little, but kept his hold on the black fabric. “Not gonna have that happen, no way, no how.”

Vincent’s brow creased again, this time in anger. “Do I look like the type who gossips? I’m getting tired of this, Cid. Let me go.”

Blue eyes flicked to the ground as he released Vincent. “Fine. Just don’t… don’t tell him about this. Any of it.”

Vincent kept looking at him as he fixed his shirt. “I’m sorry you think so little of me. I’m going to give you some advice. You’re a grown man. You’re not stupid, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with you, other than maybe a bit of stubbornness. You can figure out what’s happening without the need for me to explain it. And you can also handle things in many other ways than practically assaulting me in a dark alley.”

Taking in the words, Cid thought them over. As far as he was concerned, Vincent was just wrong about him being fine. As for figuring out everything, he had no idea of how to do that aside from ask someone. “I didn’t assault ya,” he muttered, turning his back. “If I’d’ve assaulted ya, ya probably wouldn’t be standin’.”

“You underestimate me,” Vincent said as he folded his arms over his chest.

“Underestimate ya?” Cid said with a little scoff. “Whaddya mean by that?” he inquired, copying the other’s pose and stance.

Vincent lifted an eyebrow. “It wasn’t a challenge.”

“Then whaddya mean by it? That’s all I’m askin’.”

“I’m a second-degree black belt,” was all Vincent said, voice completely flat and serious.

Cid’s expression dropped. He looked to the side, suddenly wondering something. “Then why’m I still in one piece? Ya didn’t do shit when I had a hold of ya.”

“Just because I have the ability, doesn’t mean I need to use it. Part of the knowledge is knowing when the techniques are truly needed.” Vincent tilted his head a little, wondering what Cid was thinking. “Besides, you were in no position to defend yourself properly.”

“Bullshit,” the blond scoffed. “I can defend myself per-fuckin’-fectly fine, thank ya.” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Cid turned and started out of the alley. Couldn’t defend himself. He laughed to himself. What was that guy thinking?

Vincent followed. “You were upset. That means you were running on instinct and adrenaline. If I had attacked, it would have been like taking advantage of your weakness.”

“Ya know what? Fuck you. I could probably kick your skinny ass from here to the next city over, no fuckin’ problem.” He kept walking, turning the corner to head in some direction he hoped was away from the club and the apartment. As far as he was concerned, he wanted nothing to do with either for the moment.

Vincent couldn’t help a little chuckle, wondering how the conversation had turned so quickly. “Sorry.”

“What?” Cid snapped, whirling on his heel to face the other. “What’s so fuckin’ funny, huh?”

“I only said I’m sorry. I’m really not challenging you, so you don’t need to make threats.”

Cid clenched his fists in his pockets, snorting. “So that’s funny?”

“Never mind.” Vincent shook his head, shaking away his smile too.

A frown quirked Cid’s mouth. “Ya know what? Ya don’t make no fuckin’ sense.” He shook his head hard and turned away again. “Gotta be somethin’ really wrong with me if I thought that fucked up shit over you.”

“Suit yourself,” Vincent said.

“Suit… Goddammit, doesn’t anythin’ fuckin’ get to ya?” Cid faced him again, glaring at him. “Ya just stand there an’ not care about anythin’? You’re like a fuckin’ robot that says sarcastic shit back!”

“Why are you trying to insult me?”

“‘Cause you’re actin’ like ya got no fuckin’ emotions!” Frowning deeply, Cid just shook his head. “Ya know what? Just fuck it. Fuck you an’ fuck everythin’ else. I need a fuckin’ drink.” He started in the opposite direction again, this time intending on not stopping until he reached a bar that hopefully didn’t include a club. Vincent frowned as he watched him go, unsure what to think yet again.

Casting a rather unwelcoming glare over his shoulder, Cid set his sights on the bars he knew littered the other end of the main street. He didn’t care where he ended up, just as long as he ended up drunk enough to forget the jealousy he had felt earlier.


Still frowning, Vincent stepped forward and started walking, moving to walk next to the blond. He said nothing. Cid gave him little notice and just hunched his shoulders slightly against the night air as he walked. It wasn’t bad having the other follow him, but it still made little to no sense why. As far as he could tell, Vincent had been ready to leave a while ago.

Vincent kept to himself, keeping his arms folded to block some of the chill. He also stayed quiet, occasionally looking up at Cid and again wondering what he was thinking. Blue eyes finally caught sight of a reliable sign, leading him toward the bar entrance. He pulled open the door and glanced back at Vincent, not bothering to hold the door open for him. After all, there wasn’t much point in being nice to someone who fucked up one’s head like Vincent did.

Vincent didn’t mind. He was following closely enough that he could just slip through as the door was closing. He kept at the older man’s heels, waiting for him to choose a place to sit. Settling on a seat at the bar, Cid slid onto the stool and instantly ordered a drink. He needed alcohol and he needed it now.

Vincent chose the stool next to him, also putting in an order for a drink. As soon as the dark-haired man spoke, Cid glared at him. “What the fuck are ya, some sort of copycat or some shit?” he said gruffly, annoyed by the fact Vincent was doing pretty much everything he was.

Vincent wasn’t fazed. “I can’t order a drink? It’s not like I ordered the same thing you did.”

“No, but ya followed me to the same damn bar, sat down in the same damn spot an’ ordered the same damn time as me, didn’t ya? I call that fuckin’ close to copyin’.” He turned his attention to his drink. “Shouldn’t ya be off somewhere dry fuckin’ some ex-student?”

The professor turned to Cid. “What is your problem?”

“My prob… I don’t have a fuckin’ problem besides some professor who’s almost stalkin’ me just ‘cause I yelled at him or whatever you’re followin’ me for.”

“I’ve done nothing wrong to you. If anything, I’m trying to be your friend. If you don’t want that, then I’m here to try for a civil conversation where we actually get somewhere instead of you yelling and trying to insult me.”

“I…” Cid clamped his mouth shut, turning to stare at his drink glass. He couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t be proving the professor’s point and just getting them in a bigger mess. “Whatever,” he mumbled, taking another drink.

Vincent sighed. “I want to understand what happened. And I’d like to hear it in a lower volume, with more descriptive words, this time.”

A cerulean gaze looked at him over the rim of the glass. “Whaddya mean?” he asked, taking a long sip after speaking.

Vincent took a sip of his drink as well. “I was just dancing with an old friend. From what I gather… you were jealous. And I think that confuses you because you’re… straight. Am I right?” He turned his head to regard Cid, looking for a response.

Feeling Vincent’s eyes on him, the blond turned his head away. “Sounds like ya got it pretty damn well,” he said lowly. “What’s to ask?”

“I just wanted to make sure I had it right.” He turned back to look ahead of him, taking another sip. After a few minutes he put his glass down again. “I’m not gay either, you know.”

“Sure looked like it out there,” Cid mumbled into his drink.

“Well, I’m not.” Vincent downed the last sip of his drink. “But I suppose I’m not entirely straight, either.”

“Then what the fuck are ya?” Setting down his empty glass, Cid ordered something stronger. If they were going to be talking about things like that, he definitely needed to be drunker.

Vincent passed on the drink refill. “I’m just… open to new experiences, I guess. I like people for the fact that they’re human, not for their gender.”

“What kinda fucked up thinkin’ is that?” Taking a long swallow of his new drink, Cid looked over at him. His head felt a little fuzzy, but not near enough yet. “What’s the point in that?”

“The point,” Vincent said, making a point of looking directly at the blond. “Is to give everyone a chance. It’s more accepting, and certainly leaves more options for relationships.”

“So ya really just wanna fuck everyone.”

Vincent gave him a flat look. “Sex is not the most important thing in the world.”

“Fine. So ya really just wanna be with everyone then.” Blond brows creased. “Sounds pretty fucked up to me.”

The professor rolled his eyes, annoyed. “No, you’re just too narrow-minded to see the benefits of it.”

“So I’m narrow-minded. So what? That a bad thing?” Cid said roughly before downing the rest of his drink. His head was starting to spin a little now, but still it wasn’t enough to satisfy him.

“Yes, actually. You’ll never learn anything if you don’t open your mind to opinions and circumstances that might differ from your own. It’s actually just called being a nicer person.”

Cid leaned forward suddenly. “Maybe I don’t wanna learn anythin’ like that. Ever think of that? Maybe I’m perfectly fine knowin’ what I know an’ bein’ a complete asshole.”

“That’s no way to live. That’s like living in a closed box.” Vincent looked at him. “I thought you wanted to be a pilot. You can’t fly anywhere in a closed box.”

Drawing back, Cid snorted. “Just ‘cause I wanna fly doesn’t mean I have to understand why some people like weird shit. All I have to know is how to do what I want. Fuck everythin’ else. I don’t need it.” He noticed a refill had appeared in front of him, a welcome sight and one that he quickly started in on.

“What do you want, Cid?”

“Whaddya mean?”

“Out of life. What do you want?”

Cid fell silent for a moment. “What do I want out of life?” He shifted on his stool. “To fly. I wanna touch the sky.”

“You want the freedom that comes with the sky,” Vincent said, his tone questioning.

“Yeah,” Cid replied softly, not able to think of anything else to say. “I guess that’s one way to say it.”

“That’s not the only place to find freedom. Learning to fly is a lot like learning to live your life. If you do it right, eventually you can find freedom anywhere.”

Glancing down at his drink, Cid sighed. “But… I don’t wanna find anythin’ but the sky. That’s all I really want. There’s nothin’ else that beats that an’ I doubt I’d ever find somethin’ that would.” He shrugged, taking a sip. “Would it matter then?”

“How will you ever know if you don’t care to find out?” Vincent asked, tilting his head and ignoring the fall of some of his black hair in his face.

“I guess if it’s really that important, whatever it is, it’ll just kinda… pop up. That’s how I look at it.” He finished off his third drink, setting the glass down with a light thump. “I don’t go lookin’ for stuff I don’t really need.”

“Well, I hope it finds you then. No wonder you got so worked up.” Vincent gestured to the bartender, ordering a refill at last.

“Wait. What?” Cid looked at Vincent as the bartender placed the other’s drink as well as another for him down. “What’s that ‘sposed to mean?”

“You were so tense before. Those feelings must have completely tripped your system.”

“And?”

The professor took a sip of his drink. “And it made you so upset that you just… exploded.”

“So you’re sayin’ I got all jealous an’ shit because I’m tense?” Cid gaped a little before laughing loudly over his drink. “You’re fuckin’ kiddin’, right? That’s the biggest load of shit I’ve ever heard.”

“No, I’m saying that getting upset made you tense because you can’t handle anything a little different from your usual routine.”

“‘Cause I don’t want anythin’ different. Ya missed that part, Mr. Teacher.” He waved a finger at the other man, working on his drink as he did. He lowered the glass, looking at it oddly. His vision was starting to blur a little, telling him he would soon be in the oblivion he wanted.

“Well for one, you didn’t say that,” Vincent said, taking another sip of his drink. “And for another thing, you’ll miss out on the world if you keep that kind of mindset. But go ahead and live that way. I’m not one to judge.”

“So what? I’m not out to see the entire world for what it’s worth. Hell, I’d prob’ly be scared shitless if I did see it.” Cid shrugged a little. “I’m used to my own little world an’ my own little view, thank ya. If ya give me some real reason to change it, then maybe I’ll think about it.”

“Then I guess we’re both out of luck, aren’t we?” Vincent said as he tilted his head a little, blowing gently at a strand of hair that fell in his eyes.

“Guess so.” The blond watched Vincent as he moved the strand, trying to remember why the other man was there. Whatever the reason, Cid felt that slightly uncomfortable yet slightly warming sensation he get every time he felt fixated on the younger man.

Lifting the glass to his mouth again, Vincent let one ice cube fall into his mouth, which he sucked on slowly, lips puckered and shiny.

Whether he meant to or not, Vincent had captured every bit of Cid’s attention. He wanted to look away, but was just unable, both physically and mentally. Half-blaming it on the alcohol, the blond watched Vincent’s show lazily, wondering what it would be like to feel those chilled lips.

Vincent set his drink down, sucking on his bottom lip for a moment to remove excess liquid. When he felt Cid’s eyes on him, he turned to regard him and smiled very minutely, teeth releasing his lip and leaving it slightly swollen and red.

Again the thought to just lean over and kiss Vincent nearly overwhelmed Cid and he turned away quickly, shaking his head. He didn’t need to be thinking like that, not now. He picked up his glass again, looking more at the drink than actually consuming it.

Blinking in confusion, Vincent leaned forward a little, trying to catch Cid’s eye. “What?”

“What, what?” Cid moved himself away, not sure whether he liked being that close to Vincent or not.

Vincent brought his hand up to his face, inspecting with his fingertips. “Do I have something on my face?”

Cid shook his head, keeping his eyes away from the other. He couldn’t actually answer the question since he refused to look at Vincent, but it was better to lie than to risk making eye contact and coming up with weird thoughts again.

Vincent eyed the blond’s profile suspiciously, unsure about his thought process for what felt like the thousandth time that night. But he let it go.

Waving a hand at the bartender to keep the drinks coming, Cid finished off another and set the glass down. He wanted to forget tonight and every stupid thought he had had during it. And whether that got him home or passed out in some ditch, he didn’t care. Just so he didn’t remember.

The professor observed the blond quietly for a good hour, watching him slowly progress toward drunkenness. When Cid nearly fell off the bar stool, Vincent decided it was time to get him home. “Cid, I think you’ve had enough.”

The blond head shook weakly. “Not yet,” he mumbled, attempting to right himself on the stool.

Vincent stood, feeling his own legs wobble a little from what he had consumed. He put his hands on the older man’s shoulders gently. “No, I think its time now.”

“But I don’t wanna go,” Cid retorted, reaching for the remains of his last drink but completely missing the glass. He paused and stared at his empty hand, confused.

Vincent motioned to the bartender to get the check ready. “Too bad. It’s time for you to go home and go to bed.”

“‘M not goin’ home,” the blond muttered as he watched the bartender take away his drink and replace it with a check. “What’s this for?” he asked, poking a finger at it and, surprisingly enough, actually hitting it.

“That’s your bill, Cid.” Vincent crossed his arms, slightly annoyed, and also slightly drunk. It made his tone sarcastic. “This is the part where you give the nice man some money.”

“Oh yeah…” Abandoning his arguing and fussing about not getting anymore for searching for his wallet, Cid eventually pulled out the leather object. He pulled out a variety of bills before lifting the paper, holding it close to his face and then far away. “Can ya read this? ‘s all blurry…”

The professor lifted it and examined it before his eyes widened. “You owe nearly fifty dollars.”

“How’d I do that?” Cid asked as he sorted out his money, laying down what he thought might be the payment.

“Probably by drinking for a straight hour.”

“Did not.” Cid didn’t wait to gather up his change, replacing his wallet before slipping off his stool. Unfortunately, he had overestimated his own ability and ended up on the floor as his legs buckled under him. “Ow…”

Vincent sighed, leaning to help him up. “Where do you guys live?”

“Told ya, ‘m not goin’ home.” Cid leaned heavily on the offered shoulder despite himself. Vincent felt warm against him and he got the urge to just curl around the professor and go to sleep.

But Vincent wasn’t about to let him. “Cid, wake up. Tell me where you live.”

“Not goin’ home!” Light-colored hair flopped into his face as he shook his head. “Don’t wanna.”

Vincent rolled his eyes, deciding to bite. “All right. Why don’t you want to go home? And where were you planning on going?”

“Don’t wanna go home. Zack’s there.” He shook his head again. No doubt his spiky-haired roommate would be right there ready to ask what had happened. Cid would have explained, but at the moment he couldn’t figure out how to form the words he needed.

Vincent nodded to himself, starting to walk Cid out of the bar and wondering what to do with him. “Where are you going to go, then?”

“Dunno…” Cid stumbled a little and leaned against Vincent more, his head almost resting on the other’s shoulder. “You’re warm…”

Vincent was not impressed with Cid’s behavior. “Yes, that tends to happen when a person is alive.”

“Really warm,” the blond mumbled again, hanging onto Vincent for the much-needed support he was being offered. He wasn’t sure where they were going, but at least he wasn’t in a ditch. He just hoped he managed to stay out of one for the entire night.

Vincent wasn’t sure what to do. He led Cid through the bar, avoiding obstacles like other patrons and stray chairs, until they reached the entrance. He guided Cid down the stairs onto the sidewalk, but even by then, he didn’t know what to do with the blond. “Well… I don’t know what you want, Cid. I can either leave you to your own devices, or…” Vincent took a mental deep breath. “You can stay at my house if you need to. I’d offer to bring you to the hotel, but I can’t drive in the state I’m in, and neither can you.”

“Don’t care.” Cid rested his head on the shoulder next to it, breathing out softly. At least Vincent’s place would be better than home. There wouldn’t be any questions there. He shrugged a bit and settled his head again, carefully hanging onto the younger man.

The professor sighed, speaking like he was annoyed that he was giving in. “Come on, my house isn’t far.”

“Kay…” Shuffling his feet to keep up, the blond gave up on trying to pay attention to anything but moving. “Ya smell good,” he mumbled softly as the random thought popped into his head, unable to stop the words.

Vincent’s voice didn’t lose its sarcastic edge. “Thanks.”

“Well, ya do…” Cid nuzzled his nose against Vincent’s neck, inhaling the other’s scent. He hoped they wouldn’t have to walk long. He was getting tired and doubted Vincent would appreciate it if he just decided to take a nap right there on his shoulder.

Vincent tilted his head away from the exploring nose, unable to get very far from it. He tried to make his way as quickly as they could move, but it was proving difficult with Cid dragging his feet.

Nearly tripping, Cid stood mostly upright again. He watched the ground as they walked, eventually trusting himself to look up at his momentary caretaker. “Hey, Vinny?”

Vincent closed his eyes, feeling one of them twitch slightly. “I don’t respond to that name.”

Cid snorted. “Why not? It ain’t your nickname?”

The icy disdain in Vincent’s voice left no room for debate, or so he hoped. “No.”

The blond stuck his bottom lip out in something like a pout. “Fine. Hey, Vincent.”

“What?” was the sharp retort. Vincent just wanted to get home… how many blocks? Just four…

Cid let a lazy grin come over his face. “You’re pretty. Sure you’re not a girl? ‘Cause if ya were, I’d… ya know…”

“I can assure you, I’m not a girl, and I’d appreciate it if you kept your opinions to yourself right now.” He saw the turn in the distance. He just needed to take it, then walk a little ways more, and then he could put Cid to bed and be free of him.

“Why? Don’t like bein’ called pretty?” Another stumble nearly brought Cid to the ground, but he somehow stayed upright. “Ya are.”

“You’re drunk, and I’m not in the mood to play.”

“Why nooot?” Cid curled his arm around Vincent’s back the best he could, giving the professor a languid look.

Vincent just ignored him. For some reason, Cid was suddenly getting on his nerves more than he ever had before, and it was a strange change. Normally, Vincent wouldn’t ever get annoyed with people. He liked to think of himself as a very accepting person. But Cid just seemed to have a knack for getting under his skin without even a plausible explanation. Maybe it was the alcohol. In both of them.

“C’mon. ‘S not like ‘m doin’ anythin’, is it?” Shrugging, the blond leaned against Vincent again. As far as he was concerned, everything was rather peachy, especially that warm feeling running through him from the amount of alcohol he had swallowed down.


Vincent ignored him still. They turned the corner at the end of the main street, heading for his long driveway.

Cid glanced over at his companion who had fallen silent. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary from what he could remember, but it seemed… off as if Vincent was upset about something. He shifted his eyes back to the path, keeping his mouth closed for the time being.

When they made it to the front door of the house, Vincent had to reach into his pocket to get the key. What he didn’t anticipate was exactly how close Cid was.

Noticing the stop, Cid looked up and found himself nearly face-to-face with Vincent. Before he could stop himself, he acted upon the urge from earlier, catching the professor in a hard kiss, one that almost made him lose his balance.

Vincent stumbled back, surprised beyond surprised. Acting on instinct, he grabbed Cid’s shoulders and pushed, wrenching their mouths apart without actually pushing Cid hard enough to lose his balance, even in his drunken state. He stood, holding Cid’s shoulders a good arm’s length away, and looked at him, shocked. “What are you doing?”

Confused, Cid just stood there blankly. “I… just kissed ya, that’s all…” he said slowly as if thinking through the words to make sure they were right.

“I’m aware of that. Why? Aren’t you straight?”

Cid blinked, shifting his footing just barely. “Yeah, but you’re pretty. Why not?”

Vincent frowned, unsure if he was disappointed or just annoyed by that answer. “Because we can’t.” He let go of Cid’s shoulders, making sure he could stand before turning to unlock the door. “Come on. There’s a free bedroom upstairs.”

“Why not?” Cid watched him blurrily, moving to lean against the wall. He didn’t understand why Vincent would be pushing him away. After all, the younger man had been practically asking for something all night… hadn’t he? He paused in his thinking, suddenly very lost.

Vincent turned to look at him. “First of all, because you’re drunk. Second, you’re supposedly ‘straight,’ and third, you’re my student. That’s three times no.”

“But…”

Vincent narrowed his eyes. “No.”

Cid’s expression practically melted off of his face, making him look more like a scolded child than a thirty-two year old college student. He simply stood there and looked at Vincent, having absolutely no incentive to move on his own.

Vincent pushed the door open, looking at Cid expectantly. “Come on. You need sleep.”

But Cid didn’t move, just kept giving Vincent that hurt and dejected look. “Ya don’t even want me here,” he said quietly, slumping heavily against the wall.

“I invited you here. I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t want you here.” He reached forward, taking Cid’s arm and tugging gently. “Come on.”

The blond brightened a little, following Vincent inside the best he could. He finally managed his way through, holding tightly onto the other’s arm as his did.

Vincent tried not to give Cid any opportunities to get closer to him. He pulled the blond inside, closing the door behind them and starting to lead Cid upstairs.

Of course stairs opened up a whole other set of problems. “V-Vince… slow down,” Cid mumbled as he held on tighter and tried to stay balanced on the steep steps.

Vincent slowed a little, allowing Cid to keep his balance. He still ignored the way the blond clung to him.

“How many of these damned things are there?” Cid had started to get the hang of the stairs, but was still unsteady at best. Taking the next step, the toe of his boot caught on the edge, tripping him and sending him crashing into Vincent’s back, his arms swinging around the other instinctively to keep from falling all the way.

Vincent fell forward, bracing himself with his arms on the step in front of him. His vision swam for a minute, and he cursed alcohol in every way he knew. “Are you okay?” he asked, turning his head to check on his student.

A low groan was his only answer as Cid felt as though his head was spinning uncontrollably for the moment. He slowly pushed himself away, his eyes tightly closed until he thought the room had stopped moving.

“Cid?” Vincent asked again, hesitant to move from their current position in case Cid was going to fall again.

“‘M okay,” finally came the weak reply as the blond pushed himself up onto the next step. He rubbed at his forehead, trying to convince his eyesight to return to something better if not normal. “Just tripped.”

“I gathered,” Vincent said, straightening once Cid had let go of him.

Holding onto the railing, Cid pulled himself back up. “Almost there?” he asked, wondering why they were going upstairs. Surely Vincent had some sort of room downstairs he could have offered. The place was huge, from what he remembered before.

“Yeah, we’re almost there. But… we have another flight of stairs after the landing. Bedrooms are only upstairs.”

“You’re fuckin’ kiddin’ me…” the blond whined. Groaning again, Cid began pulling himself up the stairs with the help of the banister.

Vincent didn’t answer, resigning himself to simply following the blond up the stairs at a slow pace to make sure he didn’t fall again. After much effort, they finally reached the top.

Cid nearly collapsed as he reached the top. “Fuckin’ ridiculous,” he muttered to himself as he found another steady wall to lean against. He watched as Vincent followed and appeared at the top, giving him a somewhat blank look to say that he was pretty much lost.

Vincent stepped past him slowly, indicating that he should follow. He couldn’t believe it was taking this long to get one man into a guest bedroom in his house. But Cid didn’t move, not quite trusting himself to do so without falling yet. Instead he stayed where he was, resting against the wall as if it was his only support.

“The sooner we get there, the sooner you can rest.”

“But I dunno if I can make it.” Cid shrugged and tilted his head back. “I feel all wobbly.”

Sighing, Vincent moved back over to his student. “Lean on me, then.”

Looking at him rather skeptically at first, the blond wavered the short distance until he could hold onto the taller man. He held on tightly, almost afraid to let go. “Ya know, you’re really nice…” he said half without meaning to.

“And you’re quite drunk, as if I need to remind you,” Vincent said, bitter and feeling like it was because Cid couldn’t have been telling the truth. He started walking slowly, letting the blond keep up and wishing his house wasn’t so large.

“So? Ya really are.” Once again, his head tipped over until it was resting on Vincent’s shoulder. “Anyone else woulda tossed me on my ass.”

“I couldn’t ever do that to a student.” The bedroom Vincent was aiming for was just a few meters away. It seemed like miles.

“Yeah, but still. I kinda feel like I’ve… Like I’ve been an ass all night or somethin’.” Cid looked up at him. “Why ya gotta be a guy?”

Vincent chose to ignore that question, getting increasingly frustrated with Cid’s fixation on him. The problem wasn’t that Cid suddenly had a crush on him, it was that the more the blond talked about it, the more Vincent felt like he should give in. “We’re almost there.”

“Nah, really. Why? I mean… if ya were some girl, there’d be nothin’ wrong, right?” Tipping his head more, Cid felt his nose brush Vincent’s neck, the professor’s long hair lightly tickling his face. “Really pretty…”

“Cid, please…” Vincent pushed the door open to the spare bedroom, glad he kept the bed made all the time. “Look, this is where you can stay.”

Cid glanced from the room to Vincent. “What ‘bout you?”

“This is my house. I have my own bedroom.”

“Oh…” Casting another glance to the bed, Cid frowned. He wondered if he could make the distance. Vincent seemed to be getting aggravated with him or something along those lines so he felt a little bad asking any more of him. He let go and wobbled a little before catching his balance and looking at the professor almost proudly.

Vincent couldn’t help the incredulous chuckle that escaped his mouth. This man was like a toddler. “Good night, Cid.”

“Night…” Experimentally taking a step, Cid felt himself nearly lose it all again. Somehow he made a full step though he wasn’t sure how many more he could make. Vincent stepped back, getting ready to close the door, but he stayed to just make sure Cid made it to the bed all right.

Another step and another and one more… “Shit…” Cid groaned as he landed hard on his behind, the shock jarring him. “Almost there too…”

The professor sighed, opening the door again and stepping in. He stood in front of the fallen man and held out his hand.

The older man looked at the offered hand for a moment, not sure what to do. He caught on soon though and took Vincent’s offer, slowly clambering to his feet. “That kinda hurt,” he said, rubbing his backside with his free hand.

“Here,” Vincent said, helping him the last few steps to the bed. “Bed’s here. Sleep will be good for you.”

“Maybe…” Cid all but flopped on the bed, still holding onto Vincent’s hand quite tightly without realizing it.

Vincent tried to pull his hand back but couldn’t. He looked at Cid and gestured to their joined hands. “Can I have my hand, please?”

“Why? It’s warm.” Cid pulled on Vincent’s hand abruptly, pretty much cuddling the other’s arm.

“Ack. Cid, please let go.”

“But you’re warm!” Cid protested, using his weight to pull Vincent closer.

At the last tug, Vincent’s knees buckled and he tumbled down on top of the blond, grunting as the air was knocked out of him.

Quite happily, Cid wrapped his arms around the professor and held him there, snuggling close. It felt as if a blanket had just been laid over him, one that happened to smell incredibly good and look even better.

The blanket, on the other hand, was panicking a little. “Cid, let me go. Now.”

“Aw, c’mon.” Nestling closer still, Cid felt his chin bump Vincent’s shoulder. He tilted his head to brush his mouth against the soft skin of the other’s neck, curious if he tasted as good as he smelled.

A shiver ran down Vincent’s spine and he gasped quietly, closing his eyes. This couldn’t happen. “Cid, please let me up.”

“Mm… don’t wanna…” Parting his lips, Cid slowly ran a line up Vincent’s neck with his tongue. He was a little lost as to what exactly he was doing, but it felt right, at least for now. Later would be a whole different story if it even came to that.

Vincent pushed at the mattress with his arms, though the attempt was halfhearted. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was still a little tipsy or if it was because something was telling him that he wanted this. He decided to believe the former. “Cid…”

“Hmm?” the blond responded, running his hands up Vincent’s back while keeping his hold. Whatever happened, he didn’t want to lose the warmth he felt.

Vincent lowered his head, resting his forehead on Cid’s shoulder. His control was slowly dwindling. He couldn’t deny that Cid was attractive, and his persistence, however influenced it was by alcohol, was flattering in a way. There was something in his mind nagging him about proper student-teacher relationships, but there was too much liquor and increasingly too much contact for him to pay attention to it. With those thoughts running through his mind, Vincent found himself relenting to Cid’s desires little by little.

Cid dragged his hands back down over soft cloth and sensitive skin, resting them at Vincent’s hips. He brushed his lips against the other’s throat again and breathed out, almost sighing. He felt warm and safe there, enough so that he allowed himself to lower his defenses and become overtaken by unconsciousness.

Vincent stayed still until he felt Cid stop moving. He raised his head, checking on the blond and feeling relief wash over him at the observation that the man was asleep. After a moment of calming himself, he stealthily removed himself from Cid’s embrace and rushed out of the room as quickly and quietly as possible. He didn’t stop until he made it all the way to his room on the other side of the house.

The rest of the night, Vincent got little sleep despite how tired he was. His mind was too busy, and he couldn’t stop his imagination from reliving every moment from the club on. He told himself he was analyzing it, trying to simply decipher Cid’s actions in relation to his personality, but there was a reality that was slowly creeping up on him.

He had enjoyed Cid’s attention.

After hours of tossing and turning, he finally fell asleep just before dawn.